A Quiver Full: August 2017

AUGUST 2017
(this blog contains my weekly emails to my precious family)

WEEK 1 8/6/2017

Weekly wrap up to wacky waifs,

1) In his effort to repair the leak underneath our bathroom sink Lane gifted me a new sink and faucet yesterday. My hero! Running water can be so under appreciated.

2) Our off-site storage facility is closing (we’re gonna miss Uncle Mac) so we are forced to cram 13 more tubs of “stuff” into Harvey or throw it out. It’s interesting what little we actually need.

3) Once again you can thank us for sorting through fragile papers, dusty books, and assorted memorabilia. It really was your future job you know. ; )

4) I spent some time this week helping youth prepare decorations for a Western Dance in the far reaches of the Eastern states. Ha! We were paired with Key West branch.

Interesting that the “HOMESTEAD” & Key “WEST” church youth decorated the entrance together. ;o} My favorite part is the crate of TNT and sticks of dynamite tucked into the set. “Have a blast!"

5) While sorting through my 1990’s files I found my sketch of dancing cows - used originally on a bulletin board at Northridge elementary.

6) Life is very good. We are blessed beyond our wildest dreams.

7) Overcoming the world does not mean we live a cloistered life, protected from the unfairness and difficulties of mortality. Rather, it opens the more expansive view of faith, drawing us to the Savior and His promises. ~ Elder Neil L Andersen

8) One month from now Greg will be FREE! Yesterday we received a VINE message “…9/5/2017. This date may change, depending upon a number of factors.” What!? Earlier? Later? We’ll keep you posted if we learn anything new. You do the same…

[VINE = Victim Information Notification Email service]

9) Fifteen days until the total eclipse of the sun. Rumor has it that the best viewing is in Albany Oregon…no wonder it’s called Scenic Drive.

Coming soon:

Tuesday the 8th Katie X marks 28 years circling the sun.

This Saturday Camberly or Kimeron (haha) celebrate 21 years. Did you see what I did there?

We think of you everyday but we know that our love for you is forever! Even short emails, texts or calls are pretty cool to receive. Stay wAcKy!

WEEK 2 8/13/2017

Greetings treasured family!

We are rushing to get a flight to Seattle so this will be short. We will wake up at the Hansen’s home!

Church meetings on Marathon Key this morning. The Marathon branch is so awesome. I was able to attend RS, all 3 of us. The president and counselor and ME. They prepared a lesson just for me! And I loved it.

The tiny church building is on a deep waterfront lot. Priceless!

Cool undergrowth near the waterfront dock.

Yesterday we attended a wedding and reception for a land-lover gal and an island guy. The bouteineers and the bride’s bouquet were made of seashells. So cool.

Is it possible to be totally partial? ;o}

WEEK 3 8/20/2017

Hi y’all,

A recap…

1) We left you last Sunday night as we were boarding a plane to Seattle. Here are a few photos of our time spent with Britni’s family. it was super fun!

2) Highlights included a picnic on their hilltop property and a reservation to ride the ferry for a beach day on Jetty Island.

3) We be jammin’! A summer trip to Washington wouldn’t be complete without some blackberry jam — our favorite. We can’t transport any to Florida in our carry-on bags so we left most with the Hansen’s and hoped for willing recipients in Jerry, Cam, Sam and X.

4) Friday we headed south of Portland to Cam & Kim’s home. Enroute Lane agreed to a detour to my childhood town and some reminiscing. An unexpected find after 40+ years.

My childhood home has been bulldozed to make way for a tulip nursery. The tulip farmers also purchased my grandparents cattle farm next door and preserved their home. A public garden has replaced the strawberry patch on the side yard. Lane and I walked the cemetery and located my grandparents graves. Later we met Jerry near his work in Wilsonville, OR for a quick lunch. I love to dip my fries in a frosty!

5) Eventually we made it to Albany. We found Sam & Jamie’s family and X & KC (with hedgehogs) already at Cam & Kim’s a few days ahead of the eclipse.

Saturday Sam took the boys to see the sea, Justin dug a sandy hole halfway to China, and Cam & Kim cheered us on.

6) Meanwhile…Lane, Jamie, X & KC took a 5 hour fishing/crabbing charter. They returned with 20 fish and SEVENTY-TWO CRABS. 72!!! We’ve eaten it for 2 days and wonder if we should cancel plans to crab again mid week. Hmmm.

Kim, Cam, Anissa, and Justin have been really wonderful hosts to a group that has swelled to 27 on Eclipse Eve. The Hansen’s joined us late last night, and friends from Portland tonight.

7) If swimming is so good for your figure how do you explain whales?

8) Can you guess who doesn’t like to pack Sunday shoes? ;o}

TODAY (It’s still Sunday in Oregon) marks Meredith & Tyson’s 13th anniversary! Congratulations.

Jon & RayDean celebrate their wedding anniversary on Wednesday the 23rd!

Darren Hill turns 24 next Sunday.

WEEK 4 8/27/2017

Saturday morning we arrived home after a quick 6-hour direct flight, Seattle to Miami. We loved seeing 5 of our kids and their families (grand-hedgehogs included). But now it’s time to settle down and await our next get-away in 29 days.

Pictorial of profound phenomenon:

1) MONDAY — 100% Total Eclipse

2) August 21st was also the prophet’s 90th birthday. President Monson’s wish…find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely and do something for them. That’s all I would ask…follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving, and charitable.

3) Other scenes from Oregon - games, hiking, fishing, rafting, family time, tapioca